PLASHET PARK were defeated in the return battle of the boroughs, after losing to Central 58-41. The match got off to a bad start as the rink skipped by Peter Chilkes with Jim Brady, George Gale and Cliff Dye, were beaten 34-7 by W Pope s team of G Bentley

PLASHET PARK were defeated in the return battle of the boroughs, after losing to Central 58-41.

The match got off to a bad start as the rink skipped by Peter Chilkes with Jim Brady, George Gale and Cliff Dye, were beaten 34-7 by W Pope's team of G Bentley, J Curtis and B Walsh.

The gape was a lot closer in rink four, as Plashet skip Mike Mullinder, with Alf Goring, George Davies and Ted King held F Brooks, D Oldham, J Deemer and skip A Dobson to a 15-15 draw.

There was better news on rink five as skip Vic Byrne, Barry Menzies, Ken Carter and Harry Morley were too strong, winning 19-9.

Plashet ladies enjoyed a 22-13 victory over Rancliff ladies in their friendly triples match on Saturday.

The Plashet team was skipped by Margaret Davies with Audrey Duigan, and Dot Mardle and despite a rally by their opponents, consisting of N Wilson, P Yeomans and P Oldham, they came out on top.

* CENTRAL PARK are offering free bowling taster sessions to the over-50s in Newham.

The sessions are a joint effort between the council and bowling clubs in Central Park as part of the council's Summer Centres Project.

The first of two sessions was held this week, and the next will be on Wednesday, June 24 on the bowling green at Central Park from 3pm-7pm.

Executive member for Culture, Councillor Jo Corbett, said: "We provide a range of community events and activities for people over 50.

"We're always looking for new opportunities to get adults into sport and these taster sessions are a great way to do just that.

"What could be better than to learn a new sport, have fun, make friends and get out in the fresh air, all at the same time?"

Lawn bowls has been played in Central Park since the 1920's and is one of the UK's favourite pastimes, so the taster sessions will provide a basic introduction.

No previous experience is necessary and you do not need any special equipment to play.